Musetec (LKS) MH-DA005 DAC

@rc22 
Thanks for the kind words.

You raise a very good point about the interaction of low level information, dynamic range, and ambient noise.  The equipment gets better and better.  The recordings get better and better.  The Dynamic Range of the Musetec is given at 136 db.  Recordings will not get near there.  In typical domestic environments, of course, they shouldn't.

My own experience with symphonic recordings, and it has been written of by others, is that dynamic ranges on some recordings already stretch the limits.  I could cite some BIS recordings, as have some critics in (internet) print.    Raise the level so you can hear the quietest passages clearly and the FFFs will blast you out of your seat.  Adjust for the loudest and the softest fade away.  As I hear it the Musetec provides the full dynamic range of the recording.  Perhaps I am affected in this particular way as I sit relatively close to the speakers.

@melm @dbb  Well it's been two months now since I received my Musetec 005 and I can confidently say it's fully burned in. No more nasty surprises and weird noises from capacitors giving up their goods, just fantastic natural, uncoloured sound.

Whatever I've thrown at this DAC it's taken in it's stride. Everytime I've changed IC's it's revealed strengths and weaknesses, the same goes with all cables, USB digital and power. It's very sensitive and revealing to any changes, which a high end component should be.

I like to listen to older recordings and find reward in revealing details that I haven't heard before. Melm, I understand what you were referring to but when you've heard a recording literally thousands and thousands of times and then you are rewarded with new insights, it's a joyful thing.

Seriously the texture of voices and instruments is the best I've heard and I've heard many more expensive DACs.

If this DAC was lacking I'd be the first to send it back and buy something else.

I've got a few hundred classical recordings, mostly chamber music but I don't really listen to them anymore. I've never liked orchestral music and a live recital or opera wouldn't interest me in the slightest.

Almost entirely I listen to 60s and 70s rock, Stones, Steely Dan, Yes, Clapton, Dylan et al.

The only thing that infuriates me is that sometimes the AES/EBU will sound better than than the USB. 90% of the time USB is best and DSD is divine. Both my digital cables are at around $1200 retail but I'd like to have a definitive input that I could go with and buy the very best cable and be done. Sadly not to be, it's going to cost double..lol.

For anyone that's interested my 005 is fed by an Aurender N20 using internal SSD ripped CD (WAV and Flac) and DSD collection.

Custom 10Mhz master clock slaving Aurender N20.

SMC Audio VRE-1 pre-amp.

Virtual Dynamics - Ultra Clear XLR ICs - OMG!

Life is good!

It is gratifying to me to hear of your enjoyment. I'm glad, along with others (especially Melm and SNS), to have helped spread the word.

I've stumbled across this thread recently and find it very interesting.  I appreciate the information,  thoughtful insight and mature decorum and behavior amongst the various posters. The Musetec 005 seems to be a very high quality good sounding DAC.  This and the Merason DAC1 (Another recent DAC discovery) are both compelling  and intriguing below the radar digital  components. My suspicion is that both sound excellent. 

@melm I  read your very recent comments and I share much with your perspective with regard to low level detail/information and what constitutes high  level "musicality ". Very well stated.

Charles 

Good dac and people, whats not to like!

In regard to low level detail and ambient noise levels. Continual improvements to my system since getting 005 about a year and half ago have resulted in ever lower noise floor and exposure of low level info. As mentioned above there should be no distinction between  low level detail and musicality, and there hasn't been with 005 in system. IME, 005 abilities or potential in both areas marches in lock step. While my ambient noise levels haven't changed, I find lower volume listening more satisfying with upgrades and resulting lower system noise floor.

With my recent insertion of Jantzen inductors in Klipschorn crossovers, all possible system upgrades I planned some years ago have come to an end, nothing more to optimize. The crazy thing is I'm sure 005, and 16/44 digital has even more to give, I feel as though I'm leaving something on the table.  No sins of commission here, only curiosity about possible sins of omission. At this point, I'd likely receive greatest benefit from lowering ambient noise floor, unfortunately, not really possible in present dedicated listening room. Getting into 20db territory really takes heroic efforts.